MASTER THE ELEMENTS

There is a special alchemy to formulating the ultimate getaway: with the right ingredients, an outdoor escape can refresh your perspective, reset your stress levels and give you an instant recharge before you head back into the office. Earth, water, air or fire here's how you can tap into natural chemistry (of your choice) for an otherworldly adventure.

- JACQUES MARAIS & KIERAN LEGG

WATER

Studies have shown those living near water tend to be happier than their landlocked peers.Your prescription? An aqua escape that'll squeeze months of R&R into a single soak.

PADDLE IT 
West Coast National Park, West Coast

This coastal park centres around the magnificent Langebaan estuary, with spectacular fynbos, diverse dune systems, hide-away beaches and renowned wetlands around every corner. Saline marshes play host to dense concentrations of migrant waders, while the spring flower bloom transforms the Strandveld into a Jackson Pollock canvas.

Glide the Tide: Launch from Sandbaai Beach near the yacht club to avoid waves and current, ideal for beginners or kids to practise their skills. Set course for Schaapen Island to see the white rabbits there, or blade towards scenic Churchhaven (3- to 4-hour return trip). Look out for seals, dolphins and, if you're really lucky, whales or sunfish.

Risk Rating: There's a lot of sailing (kite boarding to wind surfing) but fortunately jet skis and power boats are confined to a small section. Be vigilant and keep in mind that the wind picks up from mid-morning.

Plan It: Base yourself at the delightful Baby Blue Cottage, Sandbaai (babyblue.co.za); book a kayaking adventure just up the coast at Paternoster with gravity.co.za

SURF IT 
Hondeklip Baai, Diamond Coast

Monotone coastal scrub. Undulating roads donnering towards an ever-shifting horizon. Quirky dorps hazing up every so often... Yup, this WYSIWYG land to the west of the N7 is tailor-made for trail-blazing, with judder-y gravel routes side-winding via legendary towns like Soutfontein, Sarrisam and eventually Koiingnaas as you cruise north.